Lion Links: 10/29/17

What’s up, Mane Landers? Hope you all are enjoying the cooler weather on this Sunday morning. We may not have had any Orlando City games this weekend but our boys in purple will be back in action for one last game in a friendly with Puerto Rico next Saturday, Nov. 4. Until then, sit back and relax with some links just for you.

Orlando City Gears Up to Give Back

The Lions may have finished all of their Major League Soccer games this year, but one of the most important games of the year is still yet to be played. The “Fuerza Puerto Rico” friendly will be played this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Jason Kreis and his players are ready to help out the people of Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.

“To me, it’s a rare occasion when you can actually feel like you’re really, really giving back for something and really being able to do something that’s charitable and that you think is important,” Head Coach Jason Kreis said after training Wednesday, “So, I look at this opportunity to play this match for our guys to play this last match, to help Puerto Rico as something really serious, and I appreciate it.”

The game will be played at Orlando City Stadium and all proceeds will go to the United for Puerto Rico initiative to help those affected by this disaster.

Earl Edwards Jr. Reflects on MLS Debut

Although it didn’t go the way he wanted, Earl Edwards Jr.’s MLS debut was a huge milestone in the young goalkeeper’s career. The MLS start was a long time coming for the UCLA product after being drafted by Orlando City in 2015.

This year was a breakout year for Edwards after he kept nine clean sheets in 23 games with Orlando City B in the USL. With injury concerns still plaguing Josh Saunders, Edwards will likely be Joe Bendik’s backup next year and continue perfecting his game.

What to Know About the W-League

With the National Women’s Soccer League season behind us, attention now turns to the W-League in Australia. Since the W-League season takes place during the NWSL off-season, it is a popular choice for many NWSL players to head down under.

Four Pride players are in the W-League: Steph Catley (Melbourne City), Rachel Hill (Perth Glory), Alanna Kennedy (Melbourne City), and Toni Pressley (Canberra United). You can also check out former Pride players like Laura Alleway (Melbourne Victory) and Lisa De Vanna (Sydney FC). Just have an energy drink handy because games take place around 1:30 a.m. for us here in the U.S.

Pride Development Academy Shines Brightly

The Orlando Pride Development Academy squared off against the West Florida Flames Development Academy and won all four of its matches. Things are looking good for the future of the club and check out the players that the coaches felt deserved a shout out.

Top European Destinations for CONCACAF Players

Cyle Larin recently spoke out about heading to Europe sooner rather than later, but what would be the best destination for him or any North American with aspirations for Europe? For CONCACAF players, choosing the right league is crucial and few players have done well in Europe. It’s a tricky balance between going to a league with enough competition to keep players growing but not on a team too strong that they’ll miss out on playing time.

Free Kicks

• Calendar complications could cause Confederations Cup cancellation.
• England has won the U-17 FIFA World Cup, capping off a remarkable year for the country’s program.

• A soccer mom saved a youth soccer coach from drowning after single-handedly pulling him out of a lake. You better believe her kid got extra minutes on the field after that.
• And to end our links on an even better note, check out this absolutely adorable letter written by a young Huddersfield fan after he found some money on the ground at the stadium.

That’s it from me. Stay safe with your trick-or-treating this week if you haven’t participated yet. And make sure to keep some money aside for those sweet deals on that sweet candy once the holiday passes.